The Rate Tart

The Co-operative Bank has joined the ranks of credit cards targeting consumers' consciences as well as their wallets. The Co-Op think card joins Barclaycard Breathe, the World Wildlife Fund and a host of other charity credit cards.

However Co-Op claim their credit card is different because it partners with companies chosen specifically for their "strong ethical credentials" with customers receiving a special rate of interest of 7 per cent following a purchase at one of the selected businesses.

David Anderson, Chief Executive of the Co-operative Bank said: "According to our own Ethical Consumerism Report, conscious spending has been increasing at an average of 15 per cent a year since the start of the decade and all the signs are that this growth is set to continue.

"We want to reward those customers who make ethical choices and encourage everyone to really think about how their choices impact the wider world, which is why we have developed the new think card."

Partners who are involved in the offer include Ikea, thetrainline.com, Adili.com and Lush.